Gone are five seniors – Morgan Mette, Sadie Bueker, Savannah Grimes, Hannah Pruemer and Emma Deters -- including the best defensive player and one of the top scorers, from a squad that finished 33-5 and second in the Class 2A State Tournament.

But no reason to be concerned.

There is still of a group of talented players returning, plus that annual influx of good, young players in the freshman and sophomore classes.

It happens every year in T-Town.

That’s why Coach Laurie Thompson, when offering a quick evaluation of her 2019-2020 squad, said “There are high hopes for another successful season. The potential is there.”

That’s why basketball is a tradition in this small, German community.

That potential is there year after year after year.

“We have good kids that buy in,” Thompson explained. “They know about hard work and dedication. They know there will be long hours and they are coachable. We’ve been blessed. These girls want to have the same success as the teams in the past.

“Plus, there isn’t a lot of turnover,” the veteran coach added. “You look at your successful programs and, typically, they have the same coaching staff in place. That’s make a big difference.”

Assistant coaches Josh Cottrill, Heather Worman and Maria Tegeler return, plus Leigha Hecht, Coach Thompson’s daughter, will join the staff as a volunteer.

Coach Thompson is entering her 28th year in the Lady Shoes program and 14th as the head coach. She has compiled an impressive 345-89 career record.

Also returning are three players that started and three others that saw ample playing time. And add to that a freshman and four sophomores that Thompson said are all talented and it’s easy to understand why the coach is excited about the upcoming season.

 “We’re losing some scoring and two very good defensive players in Morgan and Savannah,” Thompson said. “They could both play shut-down defense. We’re also losing some leadership and experience, but I’m confident we have girls that will step up.”

As always, defense is the focus with Thompson.

“I’ve been harping on that a lot in practice. And we’re not strong enough on defense yet,” she noted. “But the potential is there. We’re going to be long, which may allow me to do some different defenses this year. We’ll still play man-to-man and we’re still going to press. But we might throw in a few different zones we’re looking at.”

Thompson likes the temperament of her team.

“They have a very good work ethic. They actually started working hard this summer,” she said.  “They motivated themselves, which is great to see. Some of the girls attended camp, which will also make us better. And I’ve seen some leadership qualities developing, which is awesome. All of these things have helped their confidence level improve.”

One of the strengths of this year’s team will be its versatility.

“I think I’m going to have 10 kids that can play and contribute, plus with our size, there are several different lineups I can use,” Thompson explained. “I think we can be an offensive threat and I believe we’ll get there defensively. We’re struggling some right now, but we’ll get there. And the girls are very coachable.”

In addition to improving on defense, Thompson said playing more physical and finding a point guard will be important.

“There is a real value to having a good point guard on the floor,” she noted. “It helps the rest of the team calm down. A point guard generally knows what to do in any given situation. She is the coach on the floor.”

The leading candidate for that right now is senior Olivia Niemerg.

“She probably knows the game better than anyone else on the floor,” Thompson said. “I’d love to have her be our point guard. She could also be our leading scorer and our best defender. She can shoot the ball well, get to the basket and she’s a good jumper. She has all the tools.”

Junior Lexie Niebrugge, the team’s leading scorer a year ago, averaging nearly 12 points per game, will return at one guard and be joined by senior Ciara Roepke.

“Lexie has really worked on her game,” Thompson noted. “She’s been working hard on getting to the basket so she can be more than just a three-point threat. She’s strong and more physical, but her defense is a work in progress. She’s one of those kids that will do whatever needs done. She is a great team player.

“Ciara has a nice shot and we’re going to look to her to play defense and rebound,” the coach added. “She’s a good jumper, and along with Olivia, has shown good leadership.”

Claire Bushur is another returning starter and gives the Lady Shoes a true post presence. Thompson describes her 5’10” senior as “a beast on the boards.” Bushur led the team with 6.5 rebounds a game a year ago and was the No. 2 scorer, averaging 9.2 points.

“She is our main post player,” Thompson said. “Claire is a super rebounder and is working on finishing around the basket on offense. She’s a real strong kid.”

Much of the versatility Thompson talked about came in the remaining varsity players, most of which can play guard or forward. That includes senior Karsyn Mette; junior Hope Bueker; sophomores Kaitlyn Schumacher, Grace Tegeler, Izzy Hardiek and Zoe Cremens; and freshman Emily Konkel.

“Karsyn is a good defender and rebounder. She has a real nose for the ball,” Thompson said. “Hope has been struggling with a leg injury. She’s also a strong player than can post up and step out and hit the three.

“Kaitlyn had a real good summer,” the coach added. “She’s athletic and she can score. She’s a smooth player.

“Grace could possibly play some point guard. She needs to gain some experience. Izzy is another 5’10” player that gives us versatility. She can shoot from the outside and is learning to play inside. We’re looking for Zoe to score and to improve her defense.”

Konkel is 6’ and another player Thompson describes as athletic.

“As she gains varsity experience, I think she will be a good player,” the coach said. “I think Emily will really help us.”

As usual, the Lady Shoes schedule is full of good competition. But Thompson wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It prepares us for the post-season,” she said.

Teams like St. Joseph-Ogden, Pana, Paris, both schools in Breese, Carterville, Salem, Bloomington Central Catholic, Civic Memorial, plus the teams in the Highland Tournament will provide plenty of tests for Teutopolis throughout the season.

“We’re all anxious to get started,” Thompson said. “It’s always a long two weeks before the season starts. There are a lot of good teams out there and we’re going to play several of them. We have a good schedule and that’s exactly what we want.

“These girls have set a goal of wanting to get back to Bloomington,” the coach. “Playing in the state tournament is what we want to do. The girls keep talking about getting there and getting first place. But that’s a good goal to have. We all want to win that state championship.”